The documentary, commissioned by Moors for the Future Partnership, will showcase the voices of communities affected by the 2025 moorland fire, which burned over 1.7 square kilometres of moorland and burned for two days. The moorland itself will feature as the main subject, showing the damage caused by the fire and conservation efforts to help the moor’s wildlife recover, carried out by local volunteers and businesses, amongst other organisations.

The peatland fire featured in the documentary took place between 30 April–1 May 2025, on an area near Errwood Reservoir known locally as Cat and Fiddle. The fire was described by firefighters as “the size of 325 football pitches”, burning through moorland vegetation and trees over two days. Multiple regional fire services and other agencies were required to tackle the fire, along with specialist firefighting equipment and a helicopter to drop water. The fire took place at the height of the breeding season for rare birds and moorland wildlife, many of which were destroyed by flames.

In the aftermath of the fire, local businesses including Forest Distillery, who took part in the documentary, and Moors for the Future Partnership volunteers rallied to help restore the burned area of moorland. These efforts are mostly focussed on planting sphagnum moss, a key species in building healthy blanket bogs. Sphagnum moss can hold up to twenty times its own weight in water, so its ability to keep rainwater on the moor creates a wetter environment which will not be as susceptible to wildfire. Other works include blocking peat “gullies” (eroded channels) with stone and timber, to form mini dams which hold pools of water on the moor, again helping it to be resilient to wildfire.

The documentary was filmed in the months leading up to the one-year anniversary of the fire, and is being released on the anniversary of the fire as a reminder of the importance of protecting the moors. It will feature the voices of those who are involved in ongoing efforts to restore the Goyt Valley moors and help to be resilient to fire in the future. The film can be viewed on Moors for the Future Partnership’s YouTube channel from 30 April.

Emma Shaw, Communications Programme Manager for Moors for the Future Partnership, said: “The documentary is an expression of hope and appreciation for this well-loved area of moorland, where new life has returned after the fire. The Goyt Valley moors are home to specialist wildlife and provide people with amazing places to explore; we’re delighted to tell the story of how the moor is starting to heal with the help of people who love and care for this place.”

Ed Lawrance, Catchment Partnership Officer for United Utilities, said: “The Goyt Valley fire in April 2025 was devastating for wildlife, land managers and local residents. A year later, we’re pleased to see the documentary chart the recovery of the affected moorland, with the support of so many local businesses and residents. We hope the message of the documentary reaches a wide audience, and helps to promote behaviours which protect the moors.”

Matt Herrick, Station Manager and Joint Wildfire Lead for Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, said: “A year on from the moorland fire in the Goyt Valley, this short film reflects on the scale of the response and the commitment shown by firefighters and partner agencies from Derbyshire and neighbouring counties. Together, they worked in challenging conditions to bring a significant wildfire to a safe and effective conclusion. On behalf of Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, we remain grateful to all the firefighters, emergency service colleagues and our partners in the Peak District Fire Operations Group who played a vital role during the incident. Their efforts not only helped contain the fire but also reduced the impact on the land and wildlife. We would also like to again thank the local community for their patience and cooperation throughout the incident. This anniversary is an important opportunity to reflect on the risks wildfires pose and to remind everyone of our shared responsibility to protect Derbyshire’s precious moorland and outdoor spaces.”

Melanie Selstrom from Forest Distillery, said: "We’re so grateful to have been involved in the documentary. The wildfire last year had a profound impact on us all: seeing the smoke and the extent of the damage so close to home at the Cat and Fiddle was truly shocking. Supporting the sphagnum moss planting project was our way of helping the moor begin to recover, with the hope of seeing it return to a rich and thriving habitat for wildlife. Being able to help share that story and highlight the importance of protecting the moor means a great deal to us.”